That’s a big contrast to 2010, when establishment groups largely sat out of some of the cycle’s biggest primaries and ultimately let the Tea Party have the last laugh, which produced some flawed nominee that ultimately cost Republicans winnable races.
A review by The Hill of Federal Election Commission filings shows an increase in engagement from business-friendly and centrist GOP actors in 2014 compared to four years ago.
The Chamber of Commerce is this cycle’s second-biggest spender, and has already spent at least $1 million opposing conservative candidates, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.
The pro-business group has also spent nearly $10 million boosting their preferred candidates, like Rep. Jack Kingston in Georgia, who made it to the primary runoff with help of $920,000 from the Chamber.
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